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Tomassini L, Ricchezze G, Fedeli P, Lancia M, Gambelunghe C, De Micco F, Cingolani M, Scendoni R. New Insights on Molecular Autopsy in Sudden Death: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1151. [PMID: 38893676 PMCID: PMC11171636 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected deaths often remain unresolved despite forensic examination, posing challenges for pathologists. Molecular autopsy, through genetic testing, can reveal hidden causes undetectable by standard methods. This review assesses the role of molecular autopsy in clarifying SUD cases, examining its methodology, utility, and effectiveness in autopsy practice. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024499832). Searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English studies (2018-2023) on molecular autopsy in sudden death cases. Data from selected studies were recorded and filtered based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics analyzed the study scope, tissue usage, publication countries, and journals. A total of 1759 publications from the past 5 years were found, with 30 duplicates excluded. After detailed consideration, 1645 publications were also excluded, leaving 84 full-text articles for selection. Out of these, 37 full-text articles were chosen for analysis. Different study types were analyzed. Mutations were identified in 17 studies, totaling 47 mutations. Molecular investigations are essential when standard exams fall short in determining sudden death causes. Expertise in molecular biology is crucial due to diverse genetic conditions. Discrepancies in post-mortem protocols affect the validity of results, making standardization necessary. Multidisciplinary approaches and the analysis of different tissue types are vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tomassini
- International School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Giulia Ricchezze
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (M.C.); (R.S.)
| | - Piergiorgio Fedeli
- School of Law, Legal Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Massimo Lancia
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Cristiana Gambelunghe
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesco De Micco
- Research Unit of Bioethics and Humanities, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy;
| | - Mariano Cingolani
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (M.C.); (R.S.)
| | - Roberto Scendoni
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (M.C.); (R.S.)
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Cianci V, Forzese E, Sapienza D, Cardia L, Cianci A, Germanà A, Tornese L, Ieni A, Gualniera P, Asmundo A, Mondello C. Morphological and Genetic Aspects for Post-Mortem Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1275. [PMID: 38279275 PMCID: PMC10816624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common genetic cardiovascular diseases, and it shows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. HCM can be clinically silent, and sudden unexpected death due to malignant arrhythmias may be the first manifestation. Thus, the HCM diagnosis could be performed at a clinical and judicial autopsy and offer useful findings on morphological features; moreover, it could integrate the knowledge on the genetic aspect of the disease. This review aims to systematically analyze the literature on the main post-mortem investigations and the related findings of HCM to reach a well-characterized and stringent diagnosis; the review was performed using PubMed and Scopus databases. The articles on the post-mortem evaluation of HCM by gross and microscopic evaluation, imaging, and genetic test were selected; a total of 36 studies were included. HCM was described with a wide range of gross findings, and there were cases without morphological alterations. Myocyte hypertrophy, disarray, fibrosis, and small vessel disease were the main histological findings. The post-mortem genetic tests allowed the diagnosis to be reached in cases without morpho-structural abnormalities; clinical and forensic pathologists have a pivotal role in HCM diagnosis; they contribute to a better definition of the disease and also provide data on the genotype-phenotype correlation, which is useful for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cianci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Elena Forzese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Daniela Sapienza
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Luigi Cardia
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.I.)
| | - Alessio Cianci
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Tornese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.I.)
| | - Patrizia Gualniera
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.C.); (E.F.); (D.S.); (L.T.); (P.G.)
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Murtha CM, Dobson JR, Olinger AB. A Cadaveric Evaluation of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. Cureus 2023; 15:e40870. [PMID: 37489192 PMCID: PMC10363410 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) describes a pathologic state in which the subaortic region of the interventricular septum undergoes significant hypertrophy and fibrosis, resulting in septal bowing into the left ventricle. The reduced left ventricular chamber size and altered cardiac function impair diastolic filling, stroke volume, and cardiac output. This case report evaluates the cardiac tissue of a 36-year-old, formalin-embalmed cadaver affected by HOCM, with the goal of providing a comprehensive overview of the gross and pathologic findings associated with the condition. This donor's heart was found to be larger than average, weighing 510.1 g, which is 52% heavier than the predicted value of 335.6 g for a male of similar stature. The thickness of the interventricular septum, right ventricular free wall, and left ventricular free wall was comparable to other reports of HOCM. However, asymmetrical thickening of the left ventricular walls, which is characteristic of HOCM, was less prominent than expected. Histologic staining of the cadaveric tissue, with hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, and desmin, further bolstered the diagnosis. Importantly, this also showed that histologic examination of embalmed tissue is effective and diagnostic, even 11 months after embalming. The report herein demonstrates that morphologic and histologic analysis of cadaveric cardiac tissue is sufficient to support a diagnosis of HOCM. To the researchers' knowledge, this is the first case report evaluating HOCM in a cadaver donated for medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M Murtha
- Anatomy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, Kansas City, USA
| | - John R Dobson
- Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, Kansas City, USA
| | - Anthony B Olinger
- Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Kansas City University, Kansas City, USA
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